Setting up heater on RKL, help please!

[dzeadow]

So I just want to make sure I do this right before putting both my heaters on this thing and find out that I didn't do it right and lose all my stuff! So, let's assume I put my heater(s) on channel 2, then:

Channel 2,
Function - Controller
Device - iTemp
Set Point 077.00
Hysterisis - 002.0
Off if below

This means that channel 2 is looking to the iTemp for function, and if it's +/- 2 degrees from 77 degrees it will either turn on or off the heater? I'm probably doing this wrong and thought I'd check... Please help! Thanks.

[andywe]

No, you are almost here!! Just one small issue and thats all! :D

You set it for 77, but want it to got odd if below that? Reverse to ABOVE.. OFF if ABOVE 77, or inversely ON if BELOW..either way works...and you'll have a 2 degree leeway with your Hysteria set that way.

[dzeadow]

AHH!! Totally makes sense, I probably have it set that way but was just going from the hip when writing the post :) Thanks Andy. Also, I've got an SL1 coming and am going to be hooking float switches to it, will that be pretty obvious or how does that work? I"d imagine it'd be putting like Channel 3 on a controller for the float switch or something...

On a side now, I'm already seeing that I should have just anted up and bought another power strip! I guess I could hook some smaller power strips to each plug in on the one I have but that'd be a pain. I have an AC Jr on another system and I filled all the plugs with redundant things like 2 heaters, 2 lights, 2 this, 2 that...

[andywe]

You are going to need a switch kit. Did you order one of those as well as the SL1?;)

If so, hookup of a float switch is really easy. just connect 1 wire from the float switch to the red wire of the switch kit and solder, tape, or whatever you do, and do the same for the other wire and black wire. It does not matter which for float switches. The switch kit has a small molex connector at the end that you will plug into the SL1. It's a tiny 2 prong connector you put into the SWA or B port of the SL1.

As far as the PC4 goes, yes, you can add power strips to each socket, but keep in mind there is an overall 15 amp limit on the PC4. Channels 1 and 4 are switched with relays, and can handle up to 8 amps. Channels 2 and 3 are solid state, and built for 2-3amps total..so don't overdue it :)

[dzeadow]

so which ones should I have heaters/lights on? I have 2 150w heaters and will eventually have 2 plugs for the lights each with 4x54w, but for now will only have 1 plug with 4x54. I have the lights plugged into Chnl 4 and the heaters in 2&3. Is that ok?

I did order the float switch kit from PA but they were back ordered so I have to wait til that comes in I guess. Thanks for all the help Andy.

[andywe]

Those all have enough wattage for sockets 2 and 3 to not have an issue. The issue is with low power stuff, like a small pump that draws 20 watts and less than an amp.

the 150w heaters should be fine....and stacking the lights should be fine. My reccomendation is heaters on 2 and 3, lights on 1 and 4.

150w/110=approx 1.5 amp draw. 2 heaters =3 amps.

power can be calcualted by the following equation. Amps x Volts = Watts.

[dzeadow]

so how do you get 2 heaters to work on 2 channels w/ just the iTemp. Seems like the head unit doesn't want to put channel 3 to use the device, just shows ??? since channel 2 is already using the iTemp... or am I doing something wrong?

[digitalaquatics.com]

dzeadow,

You can use iTemp for any or all channels and at different set points. What your issue sounds like is you may have 1.01 firmware on the head unit. Check in [Menu] > system > info and it will tell you. If you have 1.01 you can get the latest update from our support forum. We posted about a week ago that a handful of units may have shipped with old code installed. We caught the issue but have confirmed that at least 5 shipped in that state. So even if your unit is new, that may have happened.

Scott
DA

[dzeadow]

you are correct sir! I'll download the new firmware update and fix it. Thanks Scott and Andy.